Villas-Boas rues draw as Euro race heats up

Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas accepts that qualification for the Champions League is not in his team's hands after a 2-2 draw at Wigan.

Spurs failed to take advantage of Arsenal and Chelsea not playing until Sunday and only came away with a point after Wigan defender Emmerson Boyce scored an own goal in the final minute at the DW Stadium on Saturday.

Fifth placed Tottenham now have just four matches left to secure a place in the top four and a return to the Champions League.

They reached the quarter-finals of the competition two seasons ago and have matches against Southampton, Chelsea, Stoke and Sunderland to attempt to overhaul Arsenal and Chelsea to secure a return to Europe's top competition.

"Now it depends on results of our opponents whether we can be in control of our destiny or not," Villas-Boas said.

"Normally a point away from home in the Premier League is important but this is difficult for both teams. It depends on other results whether it's two points dropped.

"A win was important for both teams too and we really had a go at each other. We deserved a little bit better."

Tottenham secured an early lead when Wigan wasted several opportunities to clear before a Joel Robles clearance flew in off Gareth Bale.

But Boyce equalised with a header before Callum McManaman scored his first Premier League goal with a shot from just outside the area to put Wigan ahead.

However, in the final minute a Tom Huddlestone free-kick flew in off Boyce to earn Spurs a point.

"We did ever so well in the first half and had control of the game, but we couldn't hold on to the lead," Villas-Boas added.

"Their second goal really shook our confidence and the result was on the edge."

Meanwhile, Wigan's survival hopes suffered a further blow after Tottenham's late equaliser when boss Roberto Martinez revealed that defender Maynor Figueroa is set to miss the rest of the season, including the FA Cup final against Manchester City on May 11, after sustaining a groin problem that forced him to be stretched off in the first half.

Boyce's own goal meant the Latics missed the opportunity to move above Aston Villa, who host Sunderland on Monday, on goal difference.

Villa would move five points clear of Wigan if they beat Sunderland.

But Martinez feels that another eight points from their final matches against West Brom, Swansea, Arsenal and Villa will be enough to keep them in the top-flight.

"We have 12 points to fight for and we never make it easy for ourselves," he said.

"You still need eight points to be certain and we need to get as many points as we can."

Many pundits feel that the battle to avoid relegation could come down to Villa's trip to the DW Stadium on the final day of the season.

Although Martinez accepts that his team may have to wait until that stage to secure a ninth season in the Premier League, he believes plenty of other teams could still be dragged into trouble.

"I know everyone speaks about Villa but I think there are many teams involved," he said.

"As a team if you don't get your points tally you're still involved in that fight. But the game against Villa could be pivotal.

"We are an honest team and I do believe if over the course of the season you're honest the footballing Gods will smile on you and I hope that's the case."